MORRISTOWN, N.J. – August 8, 2019 – CIE Tours, the premier tour operator for Ireland and Britain vacations, has expanded its offerings to include its first-ever River Cruise Collection, with sailings on two of the world’s great rivers—the Rhine and Danube—on Europe’s youngest riverboat fleet. The new cruise itineraries are an important milestone for the company and its loyal guests, enabling them to experience new destinations in new ways while enjoying all the brand hallmarks that initially drew them to CIE Tours. The tour operator’s strategic expansion began last year with the introduction of guided vacations in Iceland and Italy, and the new river cruises add sought-after destinations in five more European countries: Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland and Hungary.

CIE Tours’ eight-day river cruise offerings include a one-way Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, traveling from Cologne to Basel, and a round-trip The Blue Danube from Budapest to Linz and back. Each cruise offers a comfortable and stylish ship experience with the same focus on inclusive pricing, local authenticity and expert local guides that has made CIE Tours the Irish leader since 1932.

Every day of the cruise rewards guests with breathtaking new scenery, from terraced vineyards to Alpine peaks, and the chance to explore a new destination with a knowledgeable local guide. On land excursions, guests can stroll cobblestone streets, tour castles and cathedrals, sample fine regional wines, ascend an alpine peak by mountain rail, and soak up the local culture from a sidewalk cafe.

Tour itineraries include:

• Rhine Cruise to Switzerland (8 days starting at $1,969 per person): Setting sail from Cologne, CIE Tours’ Rhine Cruise lets travelers explore storybook palaces and quaint medieval villages while treating them to spectacular views of the Rhine Gorge, the Black Forest and Swiss Alps. It includes stops in Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Titisee, Lucerne and Basel. Guests will enjoy a special Captain’s Dinner one night, showcasing culinary specialties from each region the cruise passes through.
   
• The Blue Danube (8 days starting at $1,559 per person): This cruise takes guests through the heart of three historic capitals—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—as it wends its way to the Baroque city of Linz and back. A wealth of attractions await travelers along the way, from magnificent castles to quiet abbeys, mighty fortresses to elegant gardens, and ancient villages to thriving cities. From Linz, guests have the option of a guided walking tour of Salzburg, whose timeless architecture served as the backdrop for The Sound of Music. Among the onboard highlights of this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime private recital by a Viennese string quartet.

Both cruises in the CIE Tours’ River Cruise Collection are distinguished by upscale service from an English-speaking crew. Guests are accommodated in spacious, beautifully appointed suites with en-suite bathrooms and river views. Most suites include a French balcony. Onboard dining is superb and ranges from an early risers’ breakfast to midnight snacks, as well as tea and coffee in cabin. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. All are included in the price of the tour, as are daily excursions, port charges and airport tax. Other on-ship amenities include optional massages, steam and sauna, a nail and hair salon, fitness room, and heated sun-deck plunge pool.

For more information or to book a tour, visit www.cietours.com, call 800-243-8687, or connect with a travel professional.

About CIE Tours International

The premier tour operator for Ireland and Britain vacations, CIE Tours offers fully inclusive and expertly guided vacations to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, from coach tours to small group travel and highly curated private itineraries. These destinations have expanded to Iceland and Italy this year with CIE Tours’ newest itineraries, and 2020 will herald further travel opportunities for CIE Tours’ guests with the debut of new cruises along the Rhine and Danube Rivers. Since 1932, the Morristown, New Jersey-based company has earned a reputation for excellence that is rooted in its signature Irish hospitality, the genuine warmth and expertise of its guides and hosts, and a talent for fostering lasting friendships on the road. CIE Tours makes it easy for travelers to immerse themselves in a new place with exclusive access, authentic experiences, and in-depth knowledge that, in the spirit of Celtic heritage, often begins with a story. For more information, visit CIE Tours.